I am not someone who likes to depend on the goodness of others, and nor have I ever begged. However we at Belize Bird Rescue are about to embark on a rescue that dwarfs anything we have ever done, and I am asking you for your help.

In 1975 there were estimated to be 70,000 Yellow headed Amazons (Amazona Oratrix) left in the wild.
In 1994 that number had plummeted to 7000 birds, a decrease of 90%
In 2004 the numbers of these beautiful parrots has further dropped by 64%
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1679&m=0

Belize is one of the few places left on earth where you may get a glimpse of this spectacular bird, but they are vanishing fast.

A new initiative fro Belize Bird Rescue and the Belize Forest Department (the responsible government ministry) will shortly begin to try and arrest the decline of these birds in Belize. Included in the initiative will be a Breed to Release program, a nationwide media campaign, and increased vigilance on known nesting sites to stop nest robbing.

And now comes the hard part. This is an enormous undertaking for us, and even though up until now we have been self funded, we realise that if we are to do this properly, scientifically, and successfully, we have to embark on a global fund-raising effort.

To that end I am asking you for your help. If you could afford $10, you will help in the start of this new initiative. If you spread the word and can persuade some of your friends to donate $10, then the small ripple that you start will become a powerful wave. If they also spread the word..... Well you get the picture.
Now if everyone pledged $1 a month, then a raft of new possibilities to help these birds becomes open to us.

You can donate to the World Parrot Trust on the cause page on Facebook
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/211704/29901770?m=a8e47a5c
or you can donate directly to the cause on the Belize Bird Rescue web page.
http://www.belizebirdrescue.com/

This message is going out just before Christmas which is a traditional time of giving for many people. Please give a little hope to these endangered birds.

Thank you for your past and future support.

Regards

Jerry Larder

Belize Bird Rescue

www.belizebirdrescue.com